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Meet the Minnesota Makers

@meettheminnesotamakers

What a delicious summer it was! The summer food s What a delicious summer it was! The summer food series on MTMM celebrated cottage bakers, cookbook authors, local farms, a rye whiskey micro distiller, and grocery store favorites. Thank you to the great makers who shared their stories. Featured makers were: @heartlandhooga @happyfoodmn @megan.stezka @sergeantshortbread @3bearoats #heathershomegoods @sourdoughonthefarm @theblackradish_ @themeaterymn @thesaladgirl @isanti_spirits @eatmebakerympls Check back through the posts for tasty recipes from @happyfoodmn, @isanti_spirits, @megan.stezka, @thesaladgirl, and @eatmebakerympls. Looking forward to sharing more local makers and growers with you this fall. Share your favorite makers from the food series in the comments. Announcement tomorrow for a new series in partnership with @supportherendeavors Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the people who make Minnesota an amazing place to be. Explore all these features at meettheminnesotamakers.com. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for new-to-you businesses and fabulous local content. #meetthemnmakers #mnmade #mnmaker #mn #minnesota #minnestagrammers #mnfoodie #mnfood #mneats #eatmn #minnesotafood #onlyinmn #mnlove #supportsmallbusiness #mnsmallbusiness
We just enjoyed a VERY tasty weekend. My big kid We just enjoyed a VERY tasty weekend. My big kid turned 11. When your mom works with lots of local food producers, you have a leg up in choosing the sort of cake and other treats you’d like to celebrate. I know I’m biased, but I think she chose exceptionally well. A huge thank you to Kelly of @lilybeanbakery who brought my kiddo’s green macaron cake vision to life. This elegant triple towered cake was marble on the inside. The buttercream frosting melted in our mouths with a gentle almond aftertaste. The cake was crowned with raspberry chocolate macarons. We loved the custom-made sparkly gold 11 cake topper. Great attention to detail and greatly appreciated Kelly checking in about the shade of green to make sure it was what the birthday girl had in mind. Saturday morning breakfast we had a reservation at Eagan’s @hopebreakfastbar We learned that you can enjoy a complimentary order of mini pancakes (choose from one of three different flavors) for your birthday. She also tried the watermelon lemonade and the towering piña colada french toast. Our server sent her home with extra syrup for her pancake leftovers—such a kind gesture. Sunday afternoon we hosted a few of her friends for a High Tea birthday party. The girls all dressed their best and gathered to share in both sweet and savory treats. After sampling goodies from @eatmebakery for a feature I recently wrote, the birthday girl wondered if Kelsey would make her treats in miniature. @eatmebakery has a number of new young fans. The s’mores sandwich cookies disappeared quickly. The whimsical Neapolitan cookies were a close second. The kids were intrigued by the savory element of the rosemary chocolate chip cookies. The mini maple scones were light with just the right amount of crumble. The adults’ favorite was Kelsey’s delightful grapefruit bread. Many thanks to Kelsey for her creative touches in putting together this fun menu. I’m proud of the charcuterie skewers by @thedarlingapron (complete with salami roses) and deviled eggs that we made too. It’s fun to share our local food producers with family and friends. Read more about @eatmebakery and @lilybeanbakery at Meettheminnesotamakers.com
Kelsey Endres, owner and creative force of Eat Me Kelsey Endres, owner and creative force of Eat Me Bakery in Minneapolis, explains that food should be an event. “Food is special and fun. It doesn’t have to just be fuel,” shared Kelsey. “I like to play with flavors. I like the surprise of eating food that someone else prepared.” Embracing a healthy relationship with food was something that Kelsey learned. “I was taught to be afraid of food, to see it as something that had to be limited,” shared Kelsey. “I assumed that everyone was always on a diet.” Kelsey discovered that food could be a tool of enjoyment rather than guilt. It could bring people together. It could embrace rich cultural traditions (like her signature cardamom buns). It could surprise people and make them happy. The joy of sharing food made her want to open a bakery. “I thought it was such a romantic idea. How cool would it be to prepare food for other people every day?” explained Kelsey. “However, there was this voice in my head that said, ‘Who will eat that kind of food?’” The answer? “It turns out everyone wants to eat that kind of food,” affirmed Kelsey. “When we let ourselves eat without restrictions, we don’t over indulge.” Food as a healthy means of connection with Eat Me Bakery is the grand finale of the summer 2023 MTMM local food series. Eat Me started in 2019. “I love the name of my bakery. I think it’s so funny,” laughed Kelsey. “You can take it so many ways.” Whether preparing basil bundts, pesto buns, s'mores cookies or layered cakes, Kelsey most loves the human connections shared through food. “I’ve had people tell me the cardamom buns remind me of their moms or grandmas. It makes me happy that something I made reminds them of their family in a positive way.” Kelsey made Eat Me Bakery her full-time mission in 2023. Find her at the @kingfield_farmers_market, @ne_fm, and @nokomis_farmers_market weekly. Kelsey accepts special orders for her full menu. Visit eatmebakerympls.com for menu and pricing. Fall menu returns this weekend! Follow @eatmebakerympls for sassy cats and tempting buns. Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the people who make Minnesota a tasty place! Full feature at meettheminnesotamakers.com
Looks like Meet the Minnesota Makers is officially Looks like Meet the Minnesota Makers is officially a family business now! I’m still floating on the good vibes and local love shared during the MTMM State Fair debut. I’m grateful to @themeaterymn for inviting me to share in their space at the Eco Experience Building. I’m grateful to @renewingthecountryside for being fabulous neighbors and sharing the vision of supporting all things local. I’m grateful to the people who stopped by to learn about this little corner of the internet where I share stories and celebrate local food, local farms, local art, artisans, and authors as well as area change makers. I’m grateful to the @mnstatefair for creating a space that is truly a great get together. People are there to celebrate Minnesota. Such a thrill! I’m grateful to the makers who delivered their amazing products to create our beautiful booth. Thank you for trusting me with your stories. It was a joy to be able to celebrate your products in real life and talk with people about the range of Minnesota small businesses that they can access through Meet the Minnesota Makers. You are the people who make Minnesota an amazing place to be! I’m especially grateful to the rest of the MTMM team—my husband and kiddos fully embraced this new adventure. We changed plans, packed, planned, hauled, and spent a couple of warm days sharing our story. My children came to know every exhibit in the Eco Experience, including the giant cardboard moose, very well. I’ve now launched the official MTMM newsletter. Once a month I will share a summary of the new-to-you businesses shared through my sites. Register at meettheminnesotamakers.com or DM me your email address and I’ll add you to the list. I will wrap up the local food series next week. News about the fall series to come soon! I hope that we’ll be back at the fair in 2024! What do you want to see at next year’s booth? #meetthemnmakers #mnmade #mnmaker #mnstoryteller #mn #minnestagramers #mnstatefair2023 #minnesota #onlyinmn #mnlove #gratitude #thankyoupost #themeaterymn #mnmakers
Once in awhile my work with MTMM makes me my kids’ hero. When Kelsey of @eatmebakerympls stopped by with samples in preparation for her feature, we celebrated one of those moments. I was slightly surprised by the consensus group favorite--the Neapolitan cookie. It is so darn cute. What a wonderful idea to have a different flavor in each bite. The nostalgia factor is fun too--my husband and I definitely grew up on Neapolitan being a special treat ice cream.  My husband is our household's biggest cardamom fan. He ranks the @eatmebakerympls cardamom bun as better than the one he tried at the ASI. Perfect texture for the dough. Beautifully balanced flavor for the cardamom itself. Really an exceptional pastry.  The S'mores cookie is such a fun reimagining of this campfire treat. We loved the use of marshmallows in the cookie itself plus as the center. Restructuring the order of the ingredients makes Kelsey’s creation distinctive. She manages to balance it to let all the flavors shine. This was tied with the Neapolitan for the kids' favorite.  The basil bundt is truly genius. I've never had a sweet pastry with an herb infusion like that before. Reinforcing the flavor of the cake with the basil buttercream frosting is so lovely. The piping was so pretty as well. I could have eaten several of these without tiring of the flavor. Both the S’mores Cookie and the Neapolitan are available tonight at the @nokomis_farmers_markets. Thank you to Kelsey for sharing a sampling of your baked goods with us. This is a cottage baker that you need to know. P.S. Isn’t her new bakery sticker fun? She’s working on all sorts of great merch. DM @eatmebakerympls to preorder. Follow @eatmebakerympls for current menu and beautiful reveals of special orders. Follow @meettheminnesotamakers for the people who make Minnesota a tasty place! Stay tuned for the @eatmebakerympls feature! #meetthemnmakers #mnmaker #mnbaker #mnbakery #nokomisfarmersmarket #eatlocaltwincities #minneapolisbakery #mplsfoodie #mpls #mn #mneats #eatertwincities #eatdrinkmpls
Did you know that the last dry county in Minnesota Did you know that the last dry county in Minnesota is the home of an award-winning distillery and cocktail room? Did I mention that it is also a punk rock haven and glass-blowing studio? Isanti Spirits is a local micro distillery that produces its own Rye Whiskey, Gin, and Bourbon. Isanti Spirit’s motto is “Rural in its heart. Punk rock in its soul.” You need a bit of both to capture the heart and soul of its founder Rick Schneider. This hidden gem (quite literally—make sure you turn on your GPS) has a cocktail room and patio that are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Visit isantispirits.com to make a reservation for the cocktail room. On Saturdays at 1pm and 3pm, join Rick for a tour and tasting of his distilling oasis. On my visit, Rick shared his recipe for an Old Fashioned for you to enjoy at home. In addition to his own Rye Whiskey, he uses Derc’s cocktail syrup, @dashfirebitters orange bitters, and Muddle Me Bourbon Cocktail Cherries by @forestfloorfoods. These local ingredients make for a tasty cocktail whether you’re in the woods, by the lake, or spending your holiday weekend at home. Isanti Spirits Old Fashioned 2 tsp. Derc’s simple syrup 2-4 dashes of orange bitters 1.5 ounces of Rye Whiskey or Bourbon Add all items to a rocks glass and stir. Add a large ice cube. Garnish with a bourbon cherry (along with some of its juice).   Sip and enjoy! Bonus if you can take your drink outside to watch the sun move through the tress and the  @isanti_spirits chickens roam their grounds. Can’t make it to Isanti this weekend? Find @isanti_spirits on the shelves at local liquor stores including @france_44, @surdyksliquor and @mgmwinespiritsmn. Full listing of liquor stores and restaurants that carry their products at isantispirits.com Follow @isanti_spirits to see what their creative bartenders have mixed up. Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the local people who make Minnesota a tasty place to live! Full feature at meettheminnesotamakers.com Sign up for the MTMM newsletter at meettheminnesotamakers.com to receive a discount off your next visit to Isanti Spirits!
Kicking off the long weekend with a delightful rec Kicking off the long weekend with a delightful recipe from Kelsey of @eatmebakerympls. Visit her this Saturday, Sep 2 at @ne_fm from 9-1. She’s winding down her summer flavors. Enjoy this piece of her menu while you still can. The S’mores Cookie Sammies and Swedish Cardamom Buns on this week’s menu are two of my family’s favorites. Kelsey’s baked goods combine delicate artistry with some sophisticated flavor pairings. Her cakes (for people or for dogs) are both beautiful to look at and mouth-melting delicious. Full feature about Kelsey, her beautiful cakes, and the creative flavors of @eatmebakerympls coming soon on MTMM. She’s the grand finale as we wrap our local summer food series. Kelsey started making her own pesto when her local grocery store ran out. Once she realized how much more she liked her own recipe, she’s makes it all the time and it uses it on everything from baked goods that she sells to her breakfast eggs. Take advantage of basil bounty from your own garden or at your local farmer’s market to make a batch. Kelsey recommends freezing it into ice cube trays for individual portions that will taste wonderfully fresh in the depths of Minnesota’s winter. Pesto from @eatmebakerympls as shared on her @tinyasskitchen blog 4 cups basil 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped Juice and zest from a large wedge of lemon 1 cup olive oil salt and pepper to taste To toast the pine nuts, all you need to do is throw them in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir them frequently until you notice browning. Remove from heat. Combine all ingredients in blender, and blend until smooth. Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the people who make Minnesota a tasty place to be! #meetthemnmakers #eatmebakery #mnmaker #mnmade #basilrecipe #pestorecipe #mn #mnmakers #mncottagebaker #farmersmarkets #makeyourown #pesto #mnbakery #mnbaker
First ever MTMM State Fair Giveaway! Must regist First ever MTMM State Fair Giveaway! Must register for the new MTMM newsletter at meettheminnesotamakers.com to win. Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your name and email address under “Don’t miss a feature”. Comment MN FAIR below and I’ll send you a direct link. Love doesn’t feel like a strong enough verb to describe how I feel about having been at the @mnstatefair with @themeaterymn to share about @meettheminnesotamakers. It was such a joy to talk about the strength and creativity of your local businesses. I was able to talk to so many people about your work and our community. It was just a thrilling experience. My days at the fair may be done for this year, but we’re still celebrating! I’ve launched my monthly newsletter. This newsletter celebrates local businesses, shares discounts, and makes sure that you never miss a local feature. To thank you for signing up, the first newsletter includes discount codes from the makers featured at our State Fair booth. Please support these local businesses! In addition, one lucky person will win a truly unique gift pack from makers featured on MTMM! Thank you to these MTMM makers for donating the products for this giveaway. @boomflowerfarm @elandgraydesign @girlnaturalist @lcfinns @mochuelobyelsa @pauliesstudio @pinkgiraffemx @pipandcharley @sanjose_chocolate @sourdoughonthefarm @theargylemoose @thesaladgirl @thompsonfamilyfarm Drawing will take place Tuesday, Sep 5. Must have registered by 11:59pm on Monday, September 4 to have a chance to win. One winner will be drawn from all registered newsletter email addresses. Share with a friend! Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the people who make Minnesota an amazing place to live! #mn #mnstatefair #mnmaker #mnmakers #mnsmallbusiness #minnesota #onlyinmn #mnlove #minnestagramers #dontmissthis #meettheminnesotamakers
“I get the question a lot—how did you end up l “I get the question a lot—how did you end up like you?,” shared Rick Schneider of Isanti Spirits. “I had parents who grew up out of the Depression era. My parents pushed us to follow the dream, to do what we wanted to do. I listened.” A shocking loss as a teenager further drives Rick to leave meaningful marks in his corner of the world. “A girl I was supposed to go to prom with was stabbed by an ex-boyfriend three days beforehand. I was gripped with mortality in my teens. You will be no more,” explained Rick. “Why waste my time on anything I don’t want to do? I want people to show up at my funeral saying that we all should have done what Rick did. People know that I’m not wasting my time.” Rick’s professional life consists of three really well developed side gigs: distilling bourbon, gin, and whiskey, teaching glass blowing at Anoka-Ramsey Community College, and music (Rick often plays a song or two at to open the front porch live shows held at the Cocktail Room). Glass blowing, live music, friendly chickens, and solar-powered spirits: these are among the highlights you’ll find in this installment of local food (and drink!) on MTMM as we visit Isanti Spirits in Isanti, MN— “Rural in its heart. Punk rock in its soul.” Isanti Spirits is a part of the eight member East Central Craft Beverage Trail. This collection of wineries, breweries and Isanti Spirits provides an opportunity to visit unique craft beverage makers within easy driving distance of both the St Cloud and Twin Cities metro areas. Make the drive to Isanti Spirits to enjoy the cocktail room open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tours take place Saturday afternoon. Check their calendar for live music and glass blowing demonstrations. Visit https://isantispirits.com for your nearest retail location to pick up a bottle of these Minnesota made spirits. Check out Isanti’s Awards page for community recognition from this micro-distiller. Follow @isanti_spirits for loaded Bloody Mary pictures and event dates.   Follow @meettheminnesotamakers to discover the people making Minnesota a tasty place! Full feature at meettheminnesotamakers.com Comment Punk Rock below for direct link!
The first Meet the Minnesota Makers newsletter is The first Meet the Minnesota Makers newsletter is here! Take advantage of State Fair small maker discounts and join this thriving online community of makers and people who want to support local. Sign up in person at the @mnstatefair this Wednesday, August 30 from 12-4pm. Come visit us at the @themeaterymn booth (near the demo stage) to see local maker’s products and sign up for the newsletter list. We’re in the Eco Experience Building. We’ve restocked our samples, added in more display items, and will have recipe cards on hand. Can’t stop by? You can still take advantage of these exclusive offers. Comment MN FAIR below and I’ll DM you the link to register for my new monthly newsletter. The first newsletter includes discount codes from the makers featured at the fair. These discounts are only available to newsletter subscribers. I’ll send this newsletter a second time for new subscribers later this week. Featured makers include locally made candles, farms goods, books, pillows, and whiskey. Full list available to subscribers only. Go visit meettheminnesotamakers.com to register. #meetthemnmakers #mnmade #mn #mnmaker #mnmakers #mnstatefair #firstnewsletter #meettheartist #knowyourfarmer #minnesota #mnlove

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